Iphagenia Hermesapoliskolia, classical actress, mystic, habitual drinker. Daughter of a Greek circus impresario and an Irish gypsy fortuneteller. Unlucky in love.

Katya Van de Jefthuis, daughter of a famed Dutch portrait painter and favorite male model (“the Adonis of Friesland”). Filmmaker, performance artist, inspirer of devoted male admiration.

Maria Zoralina Gallez-Romero, model, athlete, muse. Daughter of an Argentinean penguin-oil magnate and a famed lady cricket player who was murdered by anarchists.

Aiofe Wachkjgner, girl of mysterious origins. May have been raised by unicorns in the Bohemian forest. Photographer, waif, animal lover.

Hercule “Rafi” Ginsbergini, international playboy of mystery. Parents incinerated during a poorly received student production of Dante’s Inferno. Ornithographer, scenic designer, part-time smuggler.

The Holtermans, adoptive parents and theatrical managers of the Gay Companions. Gamblers, drunkards and possessors of the world’s largest golden nugget.

Valentine O’Clemancy, infamous Irish rake, sometime lover of Aiofe.

Dolph Gundersson, Icelandic playwright, author of several comedies and one tragedy (Nessies’s Daughter). Lover of Katya, killed by narwhals.

Magnus Howe, gangster, nightclub owner, opium dealer, and all-around shady character. Long-time ‘friend’ of Rafi.

Grace Furness, American author and bluestocking. Shipboard companion of Iphagenia on the Erzherzog.

Captain Ludger Halvard, captain of the Erzherzog, patron of Katya

Tavik František Šimon, Czech artist, admirer of Maria-Zoralina. Responsible for bringing the Gay Companions to Prague.

Jacqueline Bonaventure, founder of Les Sauvages Genial and leading light of the théâtre irréel movement, briefly mentor of Iphagenia.

Glenn Ascher, former member of the Canadian Yeti Defense Force, hired to guide Aiofe on a photographic expedition to the frozen North.

Contessa Allegra Cadorna., Italian metaphysicist and patroness of the arts.